Despite tests negative and back to back quarantine, students evacuated from Iran are yet to return Valley

Srinagar, Apr 04 (KNS): Several parents whose wards are studying in Iran on Saturday alleged that authorities are deliberately extending quarantine periods of their children who had been evacuated from Tehran a month ago. They appealed authorities to bring them back to Kashmir without playing dilly dallying tactics.

According to Kashmir News Service (KNS), several parents whose wards are pursuing education in Iran protested in Press Enclave Srinagar and appealed authorities to come clear why their children are being kept in back-to-back quarantine when they tested negative repeatedly.

Talking to KNS, Parvaiz Ahmad, one of the parents said we are unable to understand why our wards have been kept unnecessarily into quarantine centers instead of taking measure of their return to Valley.

“Indian government evacuated at least 276 Kashmiri students from Iran one month back. Besides completing quarantine period of 20 days in Tehran, students were keenly checked and investigated there by medical experts and found them negative”, Parvaiz said.

He said after reaching New Delhi students were taken again into quarantine centre which is actually an army installation located in Jaisalmeer, border area of Rajasthan where they spent 14 days again into quarantine followed by medical investigation during which all students were tested negative.

He questioned that despite repeatedly tested negative, why students were dragged into another quarantine centre located in forest area of Rajasthan couple of days ago?

“We are very much concerned for their safety and wellbeing as they have been kept in an environment which is without even basic facilities. Besides surviving in 42 degree temperature, there is neither bedding facility nor any medical care”, he added.

Protesting parents have alleged that despite they approached Divisional Commissioners Office, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar and other officials at New Delhi but no development has been reported so far.

Meanwhile a top official of the administration told KNS that they are well aware about the students and others stuck in parts of country in wake of current situation.

He said, “The issue is already in the pipeline and soon students will be taken back to Valley”. However he maintained that J&K UT administration can’t go ahead at its own until Government of India (GoI) will give its nod. (KNS)